Chapter 1 1

Danni's POV:

My heart raced with each step I took down the dimly lit corridor that led to my father's office. I purposely made my footsteps heavy, hoping the sound would alert him to my approach. I hesitated for a moment before finally placing my hand on the doorknob and turning it slowly.

As I entered the room, I tried to conceal my fear and stand confidently before my father, who was seated behind a large wooden desk covered in papers, some of which were stained with the remnants of spilled beer from his now-empty bottle. The curtains were drawn, casting a shadow over the room and adding to the ominous atmosphere.

Although my father exuded an intimidating aura, he spoke with his back to me, seemingly unfazed by my presence. "Yes, father?" I questioned him, my voice carrying a hint of determination.

He extinguished his cigarette, swivelled his chair around to face me, and dropped a bombshell. "You are my youngest child and my only daughter," he declared, his tone both careless and demanding. "You are going to marry Giuseppe 'Ghost' Giordano."

My heart skipped a beat at the mere mention of the name. Ghost, as in Giuseppe Giordano, the head of one of the most powerful mafia families Fear seeped into my voice as I responded, "They control one of the largest mafia organisations, father." I didn't want to enter into a marriage based solely on power; I longed for love, trust, and respect.

"That's precisely why," my father retorted with a menacing undertone. "You will meet him in a week, and you will make a favourable impression. There will be consequences if you fail to comply. Do you understand?" His words were laced with anger, and his teeth clenched in frustration.

The room reeked of alcohol, a familiar scent that often hangs heavy in the air when my father is around. "Yes, father," I replied, struggling to conceal my anger and frustration.

"Leave my office!" he grumbled, turning his chair away from me. A single tear escaped my eye as I closed the door quietly behind me.

I strode down the corridor, still reeling from the bombshell he had just dropped on me. Every step felt heavier with the weight of his announcement, and my mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions.

Upon reaching my room, I pushed the door closed behind me with a sense of urgency. Collapsing onto my bed, I was engulfed by a wave of hopelessness and shock. My feelings were a chaotic mix. I was a stranger to this man, Ghost. For all I knew, he could be a person of many vices-abusive, aggressive, violent, boisterous, or, worst of all, a heavy drinker like my own father. Not to mention that Ghost's reputation within Mafia circles was far from stellar. I faced the grim prospect of being trapped in a marriage with a man who might mirror my father in all the wrong ways, and it seemed like there was little I could do to change it.

Lost in my contemplations, I was startled by a gentle knock on my door. "Danni?" my mother's voice whispered softly before she cautiously entered my room.

"Mamá," I responded with a heavy heart, my face carrying the weight of sorrow. I finally allowed the sadness to wash over me. My mother embraced me tightly, offering the little solace she could. Her maternal hug served as a small refuge from the whirlwind of emotions that had overwhelmed me.

I was deeply upset, but I couldn't change the situation, so I would have to come to terms with it.

She gently stroked my back, attempting to comfort me.

"Your father informed me today about his plans; I wouldn't have allowed it if I had known sooner," she said, trying to conceal the emotion in her voice.

"I understand," I sighed, hugging my mom even tighter.

"Your brothers won't be pleased with this, particularly Miles." My mom shook her head in disappointment, her hands clasped together and resting on her lap.

Miles was my oldest brother, and surprisingly, I had the best relationship with him. I had four other brothers, making a total of five. Miles, Carlos, Justin, Logan, and the youngest, Daemon. We were all only a year apart.

We were all of Spanish heritage, but my father had forbidden us from learning a single word of Spanish. He used it to communicate with his friends and mafia associates, ensuring we couldn't eavesdrop on his conversations or learn about his plans unless he wanted us to.

"Anyway, come downstairs and join the family for dinner; it's ready." My mom spoke soothingly as she tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. She got up and left, and I followed her downstairs shortly after.

"Heyyyy!" Miles cheered, giving me a hug before noticing my troubled expression.

"What's the matter?" Miles asked with concern, drawing the attention of my other brothers.

"Nothing, just a tiring day." I smiled, trying to reassure them, and then I took my seat at the table. I watched my father walk in with a complete lack of concern.

We all ate, and everyone shared stories about their day. "So Danni, how was your day?" Daemon inquired. My father stared at me sternly while cutting his steak, a silent warning not to reveal anything.

"Uneventful," I replied with a small smile, then awkwardly started cutting into my own steak. They all gave me a few curious looks, but I brushed it off and returned to our conversation.

"I have an announcement." My father's deep voice boomed from the top of the table, grabbing our attention immediately. All my brothers immediately stopped talking since it was one of my father's many rules.

If I talk, stop what you are doing immediately and listen.

"Your sister is getting married soon," he declared, standing his ground. I saw his face drop and suddenly become flooded with rage.

"Surely you can't be allowing this?" Miles jumped up angrily.

"Sit down, boy; I haven't finished speaking." My father shouted at Miles, causing him to slowly sit back down in fear.

Don't disobey my rules or question them.

"It was my decision." My father's voice echoed through the room.

"She's only 19!" Justin slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"How can you allow this?" Daemon yelled disgustedly at Mamá.

"She's the youngest of us all; you can't do this!" Miles pointed furiously at me while my mother tried to calm him down. I sat at the table quietly, unable to eat my food.

The table was chaotic with the noise of my brothers, and I stayed silent, not wanting to add to the commotion.

STOP!" My father roared, scaring us all. "I have a head ache, and I don't have time for this arguing; it's happening whether you boys agree with it or not." My father stormed out of the kitchen, leaving us all at the table. My father never called my brothers men. I think he does it to belittle them.

Miles left the table and stormed out of the room. He was more upset about this than I was.

"You be careful," Carlos warned me, pointing his knife at me.

"Yes, I will be." I nodded reassuringly, trying to finally put this argument to rest. I knew no one could change my father's mind; he has always preferred the boys anyway.

"We have to go train Dee; we'll be back soon." Logan got up from the table and patted my head as he walked by, making me smile slightly. Daemon, Justin, and Carlos followed closely behind Logan. My hair was a mess by the time they had all finished patting my head.

I smiled and shook my head while

fixing my hair. They still treat me like a child.

"Your brothers adore you." My mamá spoke up, staring at the food on her plate with regret.

"Miles couldn't even look at me; he was so disgusted", my mother mumbled as a tear ran down her cheek. "Mamá, it's okay; it's not your fault," I reassured her as I washed my plate at the sink.

"He told me just before he told you that I was so angry, but it was out of my power; I just hope you understand." My mom strolled over to me.

She brushed my hair out of my face with her hand. "I love you, my baby." She grabbed my face gently, planting a kiss on my cheek.

"I love you too, Mamá," I whispered softly. "Will you be alright? You understand, right?" My mom looked at me with a questioning expression. I gave a slight nod before she embraced me once more.

"I don't want to leave," I finally confessed, holding onto her tightly.

"You can't confine yourself to this house forever," my mamá sighed.

"But what about school?" I fretted, my eyes filled with worry.

"You'll still attend school, if Ghost permits it," she replied, her face reflecting her embarrassment.

Ghost had an infamous and relentless reputation that remained unshaken. Although I hadn't heard anything specific about him, it was as if everyone in the Mafia knew his name, yet he remained an enigmatic figure."